Holleran is keeping his feet on the ground

Leamington boss Paul Holleran is refusing to get carried away by his side’s 100 per cent start to the Southern Premier Division campaign.

Brakes followed up Saturday’s 3-1 home win over Cirencester with a 2-0 success at Kettering on Tuesday night to join four other teams on six points in the fledgling league table.

“It has been a good few days,” said Holleran.

“But that’s all it’s been, a good few days.

“There are a lot more days to come.”

Nevertheless, despite his caution, Holleran was delighted with the manner of the two performances.

“Everyone wants to get points on the board early.

“You can prepare and make signings but we’re well aware how hard our start is.

“I was pleased with the way we went about it Saturday and in spells we moved the ball quickly. It was a positive on-the-front-foot performance.

“On Tuesday night it was physical. Kettering commit a lot of bodies forward and there is a danger of getting over-run there.

“We managed the situation well and we knew that if we moved the ball quickly we could ask questions of them.

“It was a step up from Saturday.

“The performance was where it needed to be and it’s positive that the new players are having such a big effect while the old guard are still where they need to be.”

Joe Magunda is back for tomorrow’s trip to Hayes and Yeading having returned from a family holiday.

However, with Holleran having named the same starting line-up for the opening two games and a strong bench to fall back on, the Leamington-born midfielder faces a struggle to force his way back into contention, even allowing for a bruising encounter at Kettering.

“If you look at the six players we left out, in addition to Joe we had Rob Elvins, Ryan Quinn, Lee Moore, Richard Taundry and Tom James on the bench,” said Holleran.

“We took a few knocks on Tuesday night. The pitch was very difficult. It took it out of the players, it was like playing on concrete.

“There were a few bumps and bruises but it was just impact and hopefully they will have cleared up for the weekend.”

The competition for places has seen an early casualty with Ross Oulton joining Northern League Division One South side AFC Rushden & Diamonds in a bid to get game time.

“How long or short it is is up to Ross,” added Holleran.

“His time on the pitch has been limited and he needs to be playing more regularly.

“Being in and out didn’t suit him and he probably needs a run of ten to 15 games.

“He might enjoy himself there and want to stay but the job is always ajar for Ross here.

“He is a fantastic professional and great to have around the place.”

Brakes follow tomorrow’s visit to Hayes & Yeading with a home match against Merthyr Town on Tuesday evening (7.45pm).